Obama returns for a second term in 2012

The summary: President Barack Obama formally announces his bid for re-election in 2012.

The reaction: This really comes as a surprise to no one. What will be interesting is how his campaign platform will compare to that of 2008. Then, he campaigned on a platform of change but now he’s dealing with the fallout from a crippling financial crisis, an unpopular health care reform bill and an economy that has still not recovered. Republicans are ready to pounce after a successful 2010 election but who will challenge Obama remains a mystery.